svalbard kirke

It was a really nice short experience. We were the only people inside the building, but we could help ourselves to some tea/coffee (at NOK 20 though) in the common area, light the candles if you're into that, but the funny thing was changing shoes at the entrance etc. It also has a modern very clean and tidy bathroom, if you need it. A relaxing time between two very cold walks outside.

This modest church worths a visit. We almost left when found the entrance near the altar is locked up, but luckily we realized that there was another entrance from the side building. When we left the church, we saw the northern light on the sky. So beautiful

We had a few hours to kill before our flight home, so we went for a walk past the church. Surprisingly it's open 24 hours a day, it was nice and warm inside. As long as you don't plan to stay the night, they welcome everyone, there are some nice places to sit and read or pray.It's was very nice to see the most northern church. Highly recommend you stop by, also great place to go just want a bit time out from loved ones, friends, family or the cold.

This is the northernmost church in the world (wow)! I am sure this is the only church with a 'stuffed' polar bear as a guest in the main room - not the church. As most of the places in Longyearbyen, you are kindly asked to redress - and you are offered special shoes - to avoid the heavy duty boots most people are using in the area. Besides the services, you might sit down to read a newspaper - get some easy servings of food - and enjoy the fellowship with other visitors. The staff of the church (The church belongs to the Norwegian Church and is Lutheran) - assist and visit all arctic destinations - even hundreds of kilometer away. Sometimes with a catolic pastor - sometimes with an orthodox. Absolutely worth while a visit - if you are in Longyear City!

Serene, family style service, local kids singing and playing instruments. Feeling of joy and belonging amongst the locals.

I visited this lovely church last December when I was on Svalbard and finding myself back here this Christmas, wanted to go one better and pop in on Christmas morning. As many other reviewers have said, this is the northernmost church in the world, one that never closes and that welcomes all who come to this magical land.It was -43'c with some wicked wind chill on Christmas morning and this made the 15 minute or so hike there from the Radisson hotel extra challenging but the end result even more rewarding. There had been over 250 people here for the Julaften service the day before (in Norway, Christmas Eve is part of the two-day celebration of Christmas, so is more important than our Boxing Day) with a good number of the whole settlement coming together for a community celebration but when I got there, it was just me and a couple of the locals rehearsing with their musical instruments.As with all buildings in Longyearbyen, you respectfully remove your shoes on arrival and check your firearm (the juxtaposition of doing this in a church is quite symbolic, even if it is solely for functional purposes). The church is upstairs and is a wonderful combination of community centre at one end - full of chairs and sofas - and a small chapel at the other. It is Lutheran, so is quite austere but it is undoubtedly a house of God in general and a Christian one in particular. It also has a very impressive altarpiece on the back wall.One of the reasons for wanting to come on Christmas morning was to take a few minutes of quiet contemplate to remember what Christmas is all about, as well as to remember those missing this year. The church fulfilled this requirement beautifully. I wanted to light a candle but my lighter had got frozen solid in the walk over from the hotel, so one of the locals lit the main candle, so I could then light mine from it. Rather than just light my candle for me, she allowed me to light the one I had selected myself, knowing this would make it more personal. Such clever people the Norwegians.Having spent a few minutes in silent reflection and prayer, I was offered coffee back in the community part of the room. Many buildings in Longyearbyen have free coffee available all the time - one of the first things you do when you come in from outside is grab a coffee. It's robust, strong, smokey and sticky coffee which in -30'c and below, it exactly what you want. The charming lady explained the history of the church - the altarpiece was painted by a renowned Norwegian artist who was commissioned to do many churches and buildings in the rebuilding after World War II. It was a brief but heartwarming conversation with a total stranger that again showed what Christmas is about; rather than breaking bread, it was sharing coffee with someone.The church sells locals books and postcards and I have to say, had the best selection of postcards anyway in the settlement. Whether or not you are religious doesn't matter; this place places no expectation or requirement on you. All are welcome unconditionally. To be able to be here though on Christmas morning was rather special - another memory to add to a place full of the most amazing memories.

You can go by walk, it's a nice place to visit, with a amazing view of the city... And never closes!!

Before we even arrived at this church, we were already excited to want to visit the world's extreme church at 78 degree. The church is located at vei 300 in Skjaeringa, next to a kindergarten. From most hotels or lodges in the town area, one could look up and see the church across the Longyear River, perched up in the hill slope. During the polar nights, one could make out the silhouette of the church. The altar is lighted up in pink colour and is noticeable a few kilometres away. Opened 24 hours and 365 days a year, it welcomes all who desires a rest during hiking or shelter from a snow storm. We entered the front entrance and climbed up a flight of stairs to the second floor which meets a visitor book and donation box area. Do sign in and make a small donation. A seating area and coffee lounge for parishioners before the church altar and inner sanctum is situated on the second floor. This is a Scandinavian church built fully out of wood walls, ceiling and floors. What a beauty. Outside one could experience a full view of the city of Longyearbyen. This is our best place of visit in this city.

I was there long ago as a singer in a jazzband. We held several conserts in Longyearbyen, also in church. The place is wonderful.

We attended two Sunday services and enjoyed the nice setting of the church and the uplifting sermon and atmosphere.

Very small, looking the mountains, on the right you will see the church in Longyerbyen. Inside is in wood, is very beautiful, in norwegian style. You need to leave the shoes at the entrance. Outside a very cool view on the bay.

This is the place to stop by for some peace, rest your legs, have a coffe and enjoy the most nothern church in the world. Its very charming!

We visited the church as part of a guided tour with a wonderfully friendly taxi driver who showed us around town and the Adventdalen Valley on our arrival.The church is a beautiful community building. Like almost all the buildings it is wood and gaily painted. We went in and were shown around by our driver who was obviously very proud of the building and its function in the community. Inside is the ubiquitous stuffed polar bear. As in almost all buildings on the island, the convention is to remove your footwear on entering and place it in the shoe racks.A beautiful altar with biblical scenes painted behind it face the congregation in this simple, but utterly charming place of worship.

Sweet charming warmly welcoming place. It is very simple church. What I liked there is the way of church being connected to the common space where you can sit on sofa and drink a cup of coffee.It is nice

The nothernmost church itself appeared to be pretty average. However, it is opened 24/7 which is very helpful (I suppose especially in winter). They sell souvenirs and you can find a few interesting maps and photos of Svalbard there. Entrance is free.